What the hell is a near-miss?

[McMouse]

If you nearly miss something, don't you hit it

[Canary42]

In this context Near and Nearly are not the same thing.

It you nearly miss something you do indeed hit it.

If you experience a near miss, then you miss something but pass very near to it.

[society]

very good, Canary42

[Zeuhl]

as opposed to a 'miles away miss'.

the expression that amuses me is when football commentators remark about a shot at goal that has missed or hit the woodwork;

"well he couldn't get closer than that!"

Yes he could - he could have blinkin' well scored!.

[society]

Tony, that's another meaning taken from taken from 'Tonypedia' :-)

[Old_Geezer]

A miss is as good as a mile.